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Newsline audio releases — May 18, 2012

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Listed below are MP3 audio files and the text of actualities and wraps associated with WisDOT's Radio Newsline.

Wearing a safety belt is the easiest and most important thing drivers and passengers can do to protect themselves in a motor vehicle. Wisconsin State Patrol Major Sandy Huxtable talks about the statewide Click It or Ticket public safety initiative that runs from May 21 to June 3.

Cut 1: Maj. Sandy Huxtable, State Patrol (291 KB/19 seconds)

"Click it or ticket is more than just a slogan. It’s a serious reminder that if an officer observes an unbuckled motorist, you’re going to be stopped and you will be cited. The goal is not simply to write tickets though. What we really want is voluntary compliance and to motivate people to make the life-saving decision to wear their seat belt every time they travel."

Cut 2: Maj. Sandy Huxtable, State Patrol (316 KB/20 seconds)

"When it comes to enforcing Wisconsin’s mandatory safety belt law, we’re dead serious. That’s because as law enforcement officials, we’re reminded nearly every day of the tragic results of unbuckled motorists. Lives are destroyed, families are devastated, and society suffers enormous economic losses — most of which could be prevented with a simple 'click' of the safety belt."

Cut 3: Wrap with Huxtable  (928 KB/59 seconds)

Buckle up or pay the price. To motivate all motorists to wear their safety belt, about 400 law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will participate in the annual "Click it or Ticket" safety belt enforcement campaign between May 21 and June 3. Wisconsin State Patrol Major Sandy Huxtable says law enforcement officials will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours.

"Click it or Ticket is more than just a slogan. It’s a serious reminder that if an officer observes an unbuckled motorist, you’re going to be stopped and you will be cited. The goal is not simply to write tickets though. What we really want is voluntary compliance and to motivate people to make the life-saving decision to wear their seat belt every time they travel."

Wisconsin traffic deaths are up compared to last year. Traffic safety officials say in many recent fatal crashes, drivers and passengers may have survived if they had simply buckled up. This is Rob Miller reporting.

In advance of Wisconsin’s June 5th election, campaign signs are popping up everywhere, including places where they are illegal and potentially dangerous. Deb Brucaya (brew-kye-ya) with the Wisconsin DOT’s Bureau of Highway Maintenance says it’s illegal to place any type of sign on highway right-of-way

Cut 4: Deb Brucaya, Bureau of Highway Maintenance  (324 KB/21 seconds)

"We don’t want to discourage anyone from participating in elections, but any type of sign placed within highway right-of-way is a public safety concern. Whether the sign is political, commercial or even a garage sale sign — if it’s in the right-of-way — it can distract motorists or obstruct their view — especially at intersections."

Cut 5:Deb Brucaya, Bureau of Highway Maintenance  (335 KB/21 seconds)

"Campaign signs are permitted on private property with the landowner’s consent as long as they don’t exceed 32 square feet and don’t have flashing lights or moving parts. If you see road maintenance workers removing illegally-placed signs, remember, they’re simply enforcing state law and working to keep our roads as safe as possible for all travelers."

Cut 6:Wrap with Brucaya   (1018 KB/60 seconds)

With a major election in Wisconsin set for June 5, campaign signs are appearing everywhere — and unfortunately — they’re sometimes placed in locations where they are illegal, pose a safety concern, and need to be removed. Deb Brucaya, with the Wisconsin DOT’s Bureau of Highway Maintenance, says state law prohibits signs within highway right-of-way.

"We don’t want to discourage anyone from participating in elections, but any type of sign placed within highway right-of-way is a public safety concern. Whether the sign is political, commercial or even a garage sale sign — if it’s in the right-of-way — it can distract motorists or obstruct their view — especially at intersections."

Signs are also prohibited within roundabouts or in highway medians. Political signs are allowed on private property as long as they do not exceed 32 square feet and contain no flashing lights or moving parts. Brucaya says if you see road crews removing illegal signs remember — they’re simply enforcing state law and working to keep roadways safe for everyone. This is Rob Miller reporting.

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Last modified: May 17, 2012